1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 535 weights approximately 505 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 420 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 329 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 3071 mm |
